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Hide & Seek: What is Camouflage?

Leaf bugs camouflaged on leaves

"To Camouflage" means to hide or use a disguise. At the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History there are lots of animals on display that use camouflage to blend in to the places where they live.

Curious about camouflage? Watch these two short videos to discover what camouflage is and the different techniques animals can use to hide in their habitats. When you’re done why not try our Activity Sheet and design your own clever camouflage or challenge yourself to find the hidden animals in our Join the Dots Activity. Finally, put your hide and seek skills to the test with the Pasta Predators Game.

These activities are designed for children aged 8-12 years old and is curriculum linked to the SESE Science Curriculum. Younger zoologists aged 5 and over might also enjoy the Pasta Predators Game at the end of this page.  These activities can be completed at home, as a family activity, or be used by primary school teachers and pupils.


'What is Camouflage?' Video

Join Museum Educator Emma and learn 'what is camouflage' and why animals use it.
 


'How to Hide' Video

Join Museum Educator Emma again and discover the different ways that animals can camouflage themselves. Why not see if you can find the animals from the video in the Museum with the 3D Virtual Visit?

 


How to Camouflage Activity Sheet

Download and print this activity sheet and test your own camouflage and seeking skills. You can do this activity sheet in your garden, local park, beach, or even by using the 3D Virtual Visit. What examples of camouflage can you find?

How to Hide Activity Sheet (0.45 MB, Adobe PDF)
Hideandseek_What_is_camouflage_sheet_page-0001.jpg

Join the Dots Activity Sheet

Download and print this activity and have fun finding the animals hidden in a South American rainforest. Discover more about these masters of camouflage.
 

Join the Dots Activity Sheet (1.53 MB, Adobe PDF)
HideAndSeek_Join_the_dots_page-0001.jpg

Pasta Predators Game

Download and print this guide on how to play a game of predators and prey at home. Have fun and test your seeking skills!

Pasta Predators Game (Adobe PDF, 11.6 MB)
HideAndSeek_Pasta_Predators_page-0001.jpg

 



 

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